Fitz Huggins ready, happy to serve SVG in Canada

Fitzgerald Huggins, this country’s newest Consul General to Canada, says that he is looking forward to his latest appointment, and serving his country.{{more}}

Huggins, best known for his stint as marketing manager of telecommunications provider LIME, told SEARCHLIGHT via telephone on Tuesday that he is looking forward to working along closely with Vincentians in the diaspora, as he seeks to expand this country’s footprint in Canada.

“I am looking forward to creating business opportunities, especially for the young professionals.

“I know we have a farm workers programme in Canada, that needs to be expanded, as well as creating more opportunities for our artisans, masons, carpenters, nurses and teachers that we train.

“There are new cities and developments taking place in Canada that we need to take advantage of,” Huggins pointed out.

“I’ve already started the networking process… so that when opportunities show up we can pounce on them as quickly as possible.”

The driving force behind the “Drop ah Dollar Campaign”, which aims to raise funds to assist in the construction of the international airport at Argyle, Huggins says that he intends to use his years of experience at his last workplace to serve the diaspora.

“I think I am pretty well-rounded, particularly as this job calls for networking and building relationships and handling customers and managing customer expectations,” Huggins said, as he prepares for his August 1 appointment.

Admitting that he has an interest in competitive politics, the host of Star FM’s “Building Blocks” programme says that he hopes to take part in representing a different constituency some time in the future.

But for now he is hoping to do his best in his upcoming task, which, he believes, will make him more equipped for the job at home, if and when the opportunity arises.

“The government asked me to perform national duties based on the fact that they know that I am able to step up and deliver, so they know I am capable of doing this job.

“Now, if the constituents of any constituency request that I return to take part in representative politics, clearly, that is a decision for the people in the constituency and the party for them to decide. I am not the type of person who will force myself on people, they have to indicate that they want me. I will respond to it.”

Huggins said that he is excited to serve in this new capacity, and hopes the diaspora is just as anxious to receive him.

“…I know that I’ll definitely be working closely with them.

“It’s not about me, it’s about them, making sure that I represent their interest. It’s not about my interest. Regardless to colour, class, creed or religion, I will be making sure I represent their interest and stay close on the ground to understand what their issues are and how to solve them.”